Modular Gardening Tool System - Live Brief for Stanley Black & Decker

As part of a live industry brief, our team, Evergreen, was tasked with developing an innovative gardening product for Stanley Black & Decker. The project required us to investigate real challenges within the gardening market, understand the brand’s identity, and design a commercially viable solution that addressed both user and client needs.

Through extensive primary and secondary research, we identified a clear opportunity within a growing but often overlooked demographic: women over 50. Research highlighted recurring issues including reduced grip strength, limited dexterity, wrist strain, and general discomfort during prolonged gardening. Broader market frustrations included tool head blunting, limited storage space, and the high cost of purchasing multiple complete tools.

In response, we developed a modular gardening system built around a single ergonomic handle with interchangeable tool heads. The handle geometry was carefully designed to improve grip comfort and reduce strain, incorporating a supportive cuff mechanism to redistribute load away from the wrist and fingers. This enabled greater control with less applied force.

The modular system reduced storage requirements and overall product cost, while replaceable heads addressed wear and longevity concerns. Throughout the project, I was heavily involved in form development, CAD development, refining geometry, assemblies, and detailing to ensure the product was both manufacturable and aligned with the robust, performance-driven identity of Stanley Black & Decker.

This project demonstrates my ability to integrate research, ergonomic thinking, mechanical design, and brand awareness into a cohesive, industry-relevant product solution.